Page 86 of The Nymph Prince

We were stopped by human guards as we arrived at the castle walls.

“Halt,” one said, stepping in our way. “Announce yourselves at once.”

Malik tensed as the guard drew a sword and aimed it at Lorcan. The large male’s hand twitched at his side, and I knew he was seconds from grabbing his own sword.

The nymph’s shoulders moved with his inhale, and then he lowered his hood. “I am Prince Lorcan, son of King Triton, and heir to the kingdom of Avalontis. I request an audience with King James.”

The guard lowered his sword and looked at the man across from him. They exchanged words I didn’t hear before the one who’d first spoken looked back at us.

“The fish people? I do believe we’re starting a war against you lot. Why show your face in enemy territory, boy?”

“I am noboy, guard,” Lorcan retorted in a casual tone, but there was a deadly gleam in his green eyes. “Take me to your king.”

The guard scowled, but stepped aside. “Right this way.”

More guards rushed over to us, and Troy scooted closer to me. His eyes were wide and he shook a little. I grabbed his hand, and he squeezed mine in return. Lorcan was the one he normally clung to, so it was somewhat of a surprise. Eva, who was on the other side of him, grabbed his other hand and he instantly calmed.

The guards were escorting us the rest of the way to the castle, but it was clear they were ready for combat as they surrounded us on all sides. I looked to Reif for his reaction. If he looked worried, then I’d have a better understanding of the situation.

His dark eyes darted to the areas above us, and although it was minute, the corner of his mouth lifted.

Good. The assassins had us covered if fighting should break out.

As we entered the castle, I noticed the differences between it and the golden palace in Avalontis.

In Avalontis, there was magnificence in every inch of the palace, from the jeweled tiles on the floor to the tall diamond-crusted columns and even parts of the ceiling. There’d been gold statues, golden-plated railings on the stairs, and the whole place glowed with radiance.

Human castles weren’t quite as luxurious. It was nicer than every other human establishment I’d entered, though. Colorful tapestries hung on the walls, as well as some with the royal sigil. A grand staircase was directly ahead, and to the sides were doorways that led from the main entrance and into other parts of the castle.

We were led down a corridor. The walls were made of a gray stone, and every so many feet sconces were lit. Only our heavy footsteps sounding against the floor reached my ears. No words were spoken.

“Wait here,” one guard said when we reached a set of tall wooden doors. He went through them, and as the sound of the door shutting faded, we were once again left in silence. Moments later, he returned. “The king will see you now.”

Malik stepped forward, intending to go ahead of Lorcan, but the human guard pushed against Malik’s chest. “Not you, mountain. Only the boy.”

“No,” Malik, Reif, and I growled in unison.

Being separated was not part of the plan.

“King James only wishes to see the prince.” The guard looked awfully smug. “Refuse his orders and I’ll have no choice but to restrain you and toss ya in the dungeon.”

Lorcan turned to Malik, his face a mask of calm. “It’ll be fine. I’ll go alone. Stay here with the others and wait for my return.”

“I don’t like this,” Malik growled, and rightly so.

“The king only wishes to speak with me,” Lorcan responded and turned toward the smug-faced guard. “And so he shall. But if any danger befalls my men in my absence, the man responsible will pay with his life.”

As Lorcan approached the doors, every instinct told me to reach out to him. To stop him. He was potentially walking into an ambush. Alone.

King James could capture Lorcan and send word to King Triton that he’d hold his son prisoner until his demands were met. Or the human king could murder Lorcan right there in the throne room with no witnesses and then have all of us slaughtered.

Why did we come here? No good will come from it.

I stared at Lorcan’s back. He looked smaller than usual as he walked beside the taller human guards. As he looked back at me, his green eyes showing his nerves, a deep ache scourged my chest.

No. I will not allow him to go alone.

Right as I went to grab my nymph’s arm, Reif grabbed mine.